Naval Group Floats Out HS Formion Frigate Strengthening Greek Air Defense and Anti-Submarine Capabilities.

On June 4, 2025, Naval Group announced that the official launching ceremony of the third Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) intended for the Hellenic Navy, the Hellenic Ship (HS) Formion, took place at the Lorient shipyard in the presence of several senior French and Greek military and government officials. This event marks a significant step in the naval cooperation between France and Greece, continuing the industrial momentum initiated with the signing of the FDI contract. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Hellenic FDI frigates are central to Greece’s naval modernization strategy and are designed for multi-domain combat operations. With a displacement of 4,500 tons, they combine firepower, operational versatility, and survivability (Picture source: Naval Group)

Although the ceremony was held on June 4, the technical launching of the vessel had already taken place earlier, on May 28, bringing all three Greek-ordered FDI frigates afloat. The first ship, HS Kimon, is currently undergoing sea trials, while the second, HS Nearchos, has been moved to the right bank of the Lorient facility for final outfitting ahead of static tests. The launching of HS Formion confirms adherence to the original schedule, with deliveries expected between late 2025 and 2026. This milestone reflects the maturity of the program and the reliability of the industrial framework established by Naval Group and its partners.

The Hellenic FDI frigates are central to Greece’s naval modernization strategy and are designed for multi-domain combat operations. With a displacement of 4,500 tons, they combine firepower, operational versatility, and survivability. The ships are equipped with Thales’ latest technologies, including the SeaFire fixed-panel AESA radar capable of tracking hundreds of airborne targets in saturated environments. They also feature advanced electronic warfare systems for jamming, threat detection, and protection against guided weapons, as well as a bow-mounted and towed sonar suite to support anti-submarine warfare operations.

HS Formation’s weapons architecture is configured to enhance Greece’s naval capabilities. The ship is armed with 32 Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles housed in Sylver A50 vertical launch systems for area air defense. It is also equipped with 8 Exocet MM40 Block 3c anti-ship missiles designed for long-range precision strikes. For close-in defense, it includes a RAM system, a 76 mm Super Rapid naval gun, and four torpedo tubes armed with MU90 lightweight torpedoes. The ship’s countermeasure suite includes two SYLENA decoy launchers equipped with CANTO anti-torpedo systems.

The frigate’s platform can simultaneously operate a 10-ton helicopter, such as the MH-60R Seahawk, and a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone, enhancing its capacity for surveillance, anti-submarine operations, and support for deployed forces. Measuring 122 meters in length and 18 meters in width, with a top speed of 27 knots, the Greek FDIs are suited for modern maritime operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Their high level of automation significantly reduces crew requirements while maintaining readiness. These ships are designed for NATO interoperability and long-term deployment within European operational standards.

Greek industry has also played a role in the program, contributing to national technological capabilities. Around 70 Greek companies are integrated into the supply chain, including shipblock construction at the Salamis shipyard and the manufacturing of specific components. Naval Group has implemented a partnership model based on knowledge transfer, local industrial participation, and technical cooperation with the Hellenic Armed Forces, supporting a broader bilateral defense framework beyond the scope of ship delivery.

The float-out of HS Formion represents both an industrial milestone for the Greek FDI program and a continued phase in the Franco-Greek strategic defense partnership. The program reflects a shared approach to maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean and supports the operational development of the Hellenic Navy while contributing to the consolidation of European naval defense capabilities.